I moved to Dubai 3 months back !
Here are my observations :
- People here abide by traffic rules more than they follow their religion.
I read about Zebra Crossings in my childhood, but understood what it actually means in Dubai!
You can close your eyes on a busy road and cross the road using Zebra crossing. Every goddam vehicle will stop for you.
In India, I was staying in Bangalore, Kormagla. I was in one of the posh areas, and I saw little Zebra Crossing.
And even if the government puts Zebra Signs, I'm sure someone will hit you with their vehicle.
2. Metro - I have traveled the metro in India, too. But people do follow basic etiquette here.
When the metro arrives people will stand on the left and right-hand side of the door. First, people step out and then people step in.
Most of the times people are generous enough to offer you his/her seat.
3. Cleanliness - I have not seen a single piece of garbage thrown somewhere. Dubai is amazingly clean. It's beautiful.
4. Honking - until and unless you have slept on the road , people don't honk.
5. Electricity - I heard 17 years ago, there was a power cut for 3 minutes and the king of Dubai fired the chief engineer and the whole electricity board.
Bangalore, which is the IT hub of India, faces serious power cuts in rainy seasons.
6. Artificial rain - As most part of UAE is desert, scientists have invented new techniques to create artificial rain. It's amazing.
7. Public - recently my GF went to buy chicken in India from a local shop and a local vendor behaved rudely with her. She was crying on the phone.
In Dubai I promise you, you will be treated everywhere with a smile.
If that person would have been in Dubai, I'm sure he must have been sitting in jail for some days, for good! But in India, as he is local and knows Kannada, the police are not going to do anything.
In Dubai, you feel welcomed.
8. In India, we will go to the pub and other places to chill at 9 PM and will return by 12 AM, as most of the pubs will close by 1 AM, and I'm talking about Bangalore.
In Dubai, we plan our party's around 11 PM as most of the pubs will remain open till 5 in the morning.
More than guys, you can see girls roaming around and believe me it's safer than the most places on earth.
Every god damn nook and corner in Dubai is covered by CCTV . I can ensure you, no one dares to commit any crime here.
People feel safe.
9. Transportation - End to end, Dubai is covered by the metro. Bangalore Metro is still work in progress.
But what I want to highlight is the rowdyism of Autowalla in Bangalore. In evening Auto will charge ×1.5, ×2 times of the actual fare. They will charge you whatever they want. There are no regulations on them. The way they treat you as they are doing some major favors to you. It's pathetic.
In Dubai, all local taxis are regulated by RTA. They charge by meter religiously. You will not be charged one cent extra.
Recently my friend booked a taxi, but due to some reason, he had to cancel it. The taxi driver said something rude. My friend complaint in RTA within 10 mins Taxi driver called 3 times, he was shivering and saying sorry.
Finally, my friend took back his complaint.
10. Work culture - people are friendly here. And most of the time you can leave your office on time, 9 AM to 5 PM.
In Bangalore, I have spent numerous weekends in office and most of the time you are expected to remain in office till late, generally 9 AM to 7, 8 PM! Or even more.
P.S. - Still, I miss India. We might have few things to correct, but I have to say it's just the best place to be. Not a single day has gone by when I have not thought of returning :)
My love is in India, my love is India!
Cheers!